General - as the name suggests, Ten Pin is a ten pin bowling centre and is situated at the Barbican Leisure Park. It used to be MegaBowl but got bought out early last year. There are plenty of lanes available at most times of the day, although it does get busier during the evenings and weekends. Some nights they do 'glow in the dark' bowling which is good fun, as the lights are all dimmed and the lanes are lit by glowing lights, which really adds to the enjoyment. Each lane also has a device that can be used which prevents the bowling ball falling into the gutter, for those people who aren't very good at bowling. Prices are very reasonable, and you can often get 2 for 1 games on backs of parking tickets or cinema tickets (next door) which makes it even more affordable. You can also book lanes online through their website for a discounted fee. Alongside the bowling lanes, they have a huge selection of the latest arcade machines, several pool tables and a bar that serves a varied amount of food and drink, all for decent prices. If you can catch it when it isn't too busy, this is a great place to go and spend the afternoon.
Food and Drink - the bar serves a wide variety of food and drink. There are also several vending machines dotted around that serve drinks and sweets. Even some of the arcade games give out sweets when you win. The waiting time is usually pretty good as well, so you won't be left wondering where your food is. The food served is very nice and tasty, and there always seems to be plenty of it.
Disabled - the whole building is mostly on one level, however there are ramps when the level does change slightly. The bowling alleys also cater well for people in wheelchairs as there is plenty of room and they provide a device that allows anyone to put a bowling ball on it, aim and let it go, and it goes on its merry way down to the pins. I believe there is not a specific disabled toilet (I could be wrong), but the main toilets are all on one level and very easy and spacious to use. Parking-wise, there are a huge amount of disabled spaces right outside the front door.
Toilets - the toilets are large and clean.
Children - this is a place where children will have great fun. There is so much to do from the bowling to pool to the arcade. It will keep them entertained for quite a long time, although it can get an expensive day if they use the arcade a lot. Children are allowed to sit in the bar area, as long as they are with their parents.
Car Parks - there is a huge car park facility directly outside the building which is used for the whole of the Barbican Leaisure Park. There are usually plenty of spaces but it can get very busy on 'Orange' Wednesdays (buy one get one free cinema tickets) and during school holidays when it is raining. Alternatively, there is a large multi storey car park just down the road towards the Barbican but, unlike the Leisure Park car park, it isn't free.
Review Date - 2009-03-24